In 2023, the United States saw a significant increase in tuberculosis cases, reaching the highest level in a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rise was particularly notable among children. After a 27-year decline in tuberculosis rates, cases began to climb in 2020 and have continued to increase each year since.
The CDC reported a total of 9,615 tuberculosis cases in 2023, marking a 16 percent increase from the previous year. This surge in cases was somewhat unexpected by the agency. Notably, children aged 5–14 experienced the largest relative increase at 42 percent.
Of the tuberculosis cases in the U.S. in 2023, 76 percent were found in individuals who were not born in the country. Among the cases where birth origin was known, 7,259 occurred in non-U.S.-born individuals, representing an 18 percent increase from 2022.
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria that primarily affects the lungs and is one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. The disease spreads through the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze. While the U.S. has relatively low tuberculosis rates compared to other countries, the recent uptick in cases has prompted the CDC to emphasize the need to strengthen public health programs for disease control and prevention.
California reported the highest number of tuberculosis cases in 2023, with 2,113 infections, while Alaska had the highest infection rate at 10.6 per 100,000 people. The majority of individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2023 had latent tuberculosis, where the bacteria remains dormant in the body before becoming active.
To prevent transmission and reduce fatalities, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial. Health experts estimate that millions of Americans may have latent tuberculosis. The CDC stresses the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.
In light of recent incidents where tuberculosis cases were linked to specific locations, such as a casino in California and a migrant shelter in Cape Cod, public awareness and testing are essential. Tuberculosis can be asymptomatic in its latent form, but symptoms of the active disease include chills, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and respiratory issues.
Understanding the types and symptoms of tuberculosis is vital for effective management and prevention of the disease. Pulmonary tuberculosis affects the lungs and may spread to other organs, while extrapulmonary tuberculosis originates outside the lungs and is generally not contagious. Early detection and treatment are key in combating tuberculosis and preventing its spread.
